Conditions remain at near mid-winter as reported below. Forecast for the rest of the week and weekend has improved with regards to how much rain we might receive each of those days. Currently, it is not much rain but mostly a "wintry mix", but we won't know for sure until Sunday when the temperatures again cool. So, at least no major thaw with this weather pattern. We did work on the Mr. Van Ski Trail today. Others had broken it out last weekend, but reported some significant new blowdown. All of the smaller stuff that was the major impediment to travel has now been cleared, but numerous difficult water crossings make this trail still not really recommended as anything but an "adventure". We'll hope that the continued cold tightens up these wet areas so he new snow can accumulate there. Next complete report on Thursday when at least the weekend weather may be a bit more definite.

Introduction

Cold weather and snow have returned this week, so even now in early-December we can report near mid-winter conditions with no thaw in sight. It's powder surfaces everywhere, but still not quite enough to fully cover all obstacles on any rougher trails.

JACKRABBIT TRAIL CONDITIONS​ ​Base depth: 8-12"

Surface Conditions: Powder

Km Open - 50

Remarks - All sections skiable. Most sections have been broken out.

BACKCOUNTRY CONDITIONS

Snow depth at Lake Colden: 24"

Snow depth at 4,000 feet - 4+ feet

Hiking trail from Adirondak Loj skiable. Truck trail very skiable.

Avalanche Pass still a bit rough getting from Marcy Dam to Avalanche Camp, but the ski trail to the top of the pass is in good shape. Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden are crossable with care, but stay away from inlets or outlets.

Marcy and Wright Peak skiable higher up, but still a bit rough getting to 3,000 feet.

Does anyone having recent information if Hayes Brook Trails in Paul Smith parking off of rt 30 is plowed out

Reply

Josh Wilson

12/11/2018 06:46:30 am

Hi Mike,
Chances are the Mountain Pond rd to the Hayes Brook trail head is NOT plowed. Barkeater Trails Alliance has been working with DEC on a solution. This is a town road but the town highway department lacks the resources to keep it plowed consistently through the winter. DEC also lacks the resources to plow. NYSDOT has said they will attempt to at least keep the snow bank from forming at the start of the road where it intersects Rt. 30 to make it easier for cars to exit the road. We continue to look for other solutions but to date, unfortunately, any plowing that occurs is random and cannot be relied upon to access the trail.
Josh Wilson
Executive Director
Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA)

Reply

Jake

12/12/2018 01:23:06 pm

Yup, I was there yesterday and it was plowed. Skiing was great in to Grass Pond.

Reply

Josh Wilson

12/13/2018 11:08:28 am

Awesome Jake thanks for the report!

David Dales

12/12/2018 05:33:52 am

Hi Josh. Thanks for clearing Mr. Van! Any word on a new section of the Jackrabbit along Old Mt. Road?

Thanks!

Reply

Josh Wilson

12/13/2018 01:01:23 pm

Hi David,
The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest UMP proposes to construct a section of trail parallel to Mountain Lane, beginning near the intersection with Rt. 73 as follows:
"Allow construction of a portion of the Jackrabbit Trail onto a portion of the SLWF south of Mountain Lane. This is a reroute of the trail from the road. The trail will travel on SLWF for about 2,530 feet. The route will be roughly parallel to Mountain Lane."

The UMP was supposed to come before the APA Board for a vote today but was bumped from the agenda at the last minute. We hope it will be on the agenda in January or February of 2019.

Once approved BETA will be able to seek work plan approval from DEC foresters to begin development of this trail.

Reply

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Trail Conditions

Trail conditions are updated frequently during the season, but always check local weather conditions as well before departing on your trip.